Linfield fans attacked houses and Derry City stewards as they left the Brandywell stadium following their defeat in the Setanta Sports Cup quarter-final last night.

The Belfast supporters broke down fencing at the Showgrounds end of the stadium as they were escorted to their buses after the 3-1 second leg defeat. It stood in stark contrast to the goodwill in the first leg on March 5, when Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness made his first visit to Windsor Park in 50 years.

Last night one Linfield fan claimed on Twitter that Blues fans had been spat upon.

He also wrote supporters were filmed leaving the grounds and subjected to offensive hand gestures.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said it was disappointing the match was marred by violence.

He stated: “This is all very disappointing. It was great night of football and a great result for Derry City.

“I am sure the behaviour of these individuals does not reflect the vast majority of Linfield fans.

“I have heard Linfield fans were also attacked. Either way, there is no place for this sort of behaviour in sport.”

Derry boss Declan Devine said: “It should be all about the football, especially after a great match like the one we had here tonight.

“A few of our supporters went a bid mad up there and now tonight we have this.